Positioning Ourselves for New Positions in Library Land

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Positioning Ourselves for New Positions in
Library Land

• Cover Letter and Résumé Dos and Donts

Presented by
Susan DiRenzo direnzo_at_uakron.edu
Lori J. Fielding lott_at_uakron.edu
Karen A. Plummer kplumme_at_uakron.edu
University Libraries _at_ The University of Akron
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Academic Search Committees

• What does a search committee do?
• Follows guidelines (EEO, University, Library,
  Faculty)
• Creates or collaborates on position advertisement
  
• Screens and evaluates applications
• Selects candidates for interview
• Creates agenda and schedule for interview process
• Participates in the interview
• Makes recommendation

University Libraries _at_ The University of Akron
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The Job Advertisement

• What is included in a typical job advertisement?
• Description of the job duties
• Required qualifications
• Preferred qualifications
• Brief description of the institution
• Instructions for submitting an application
• Minimum salary, benefits summary, and rank

University Libraries _at_ The University of Akron
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Interpreting the Job Ad

• Description of job duties
• Qualifications
• Required
• Preferred
• Experience
• Education

University Libraries _at_ The University of Akron
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Vitae or Résumé?

• What is a Curricula Vitae (C.V.), and how is it
  different than a résumé?
• Should you include a goal statement?
• Why are dates important?
• How specific should you be about past/current
  positions, duties, and length of service.
• Is it varied experience or job hopping?

University Libraries _at_ The University of Akron
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Vitae Elements

• Your name and contact information
• Education and degrees
• Work experience
• Research
• Publications
• Presentations
• Courses or workshops taught
• Professional development
• Awards and honors
• Service (committees, professional organizations,
  etc.)

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Cover Letter Elements

• Return address
• Date
• Address of the institution to which you are
  applying
• Salutation (Dear Who?)
• Introduction
• Body
• Conclusion
• Signature

University Libraries _at_ The University of Akron
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Effective Cover Letters

• Every résumé /C.V. must be accompanied by a cover
  letter
• Structure
• Address the letter to a specific person, use
  correct name and title
• Include information on how or where you learned
  about the job opening
• Address the job ad specifics
• Pave the way for an interview
• Content
• Size? Does it matter?
• High readability factor
• Writing style
• Physical presentation
• Spelling and grammar Dont rely on your word
  processor
• Have someone you trust proofread all the
  materials you submit
• Be cautious of using mass produced cover letters!

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Dos and Donts

• DO.
• Check for accurate spelling
• Use good quality paper
• Limit number of fonts and sizes
• Use formal language
• Stay focused
• Include dates
• DO NOT
• Use canned phrases and trendy terminology
• Embellish or overstate qualifications
• Ramble
• Use the hard sell method
• Share information that is irrelevant, too
  personal, or in violation of EEO guidelines

University Libraries _at_ The University of Akron
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Getting Ready for the Interview

• Do your homework!
• Visit the institutions website
• Faculty/staff listings who does what?
• Search committee members who are they?
• Read the institutions annual report, mission
  statement, and/or strategic plan
• Read announcements and library news
• Visit the institution itself (if possible)
• Check out the most recent literature in the field
• Talk to colleagues who have been through similar
  interview processes
• Anticipate the questions youll be asked
• Bring examples of your work
• Be prepared to ask questions
• Know when is it appropriate to ask certain
  questions regarding salary, benefits, etc.
• Bring a copy of everything you submitted
• Be honest, be relaxed, be yourself, and smile

University Libraries _at_ The University of Akron
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Questions?

• This presentation, bibliography, and handout can
  be found online at http//www3.uakron.edu/librar
  y/ulsys/presentations/alao04/
• Presenters contact information

Susan DiRenzo direnzo_at_uakron.edu
Lori J. Fielding lott_at_uakron.edu
Karen A. Plummer kplumme_at_uakron.edu